opt

¹ American  

[opt] / ɒpt /

verb (used without object)

1. to make a choice; choose (usually followed byfor ).

   Synonyms:

   elect, pick, select

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verb phrase

1. opt in to decide to make use of or take part in something.

   To receive automatic updates, opt in under the email notification section.

2. opt out to decide to withdraw from or not take part in something.

   You can opt out of the pension plan, but you lose the employer and government contribution.

opt. ² American  

abbreviation

1. optative.

2. optical.

3. optician.

4. optics.

5. optional.

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opt British  

/ ɒpt /

verb

1. to show preference (for) or choose (to do something) See also opt in See also opt out

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Other Word Forms

• unopted adjective

Etymology

Origin of opt

First recorded in 1875–80; from French opter “to choose, divide,” from Latin optāre “to wish for, desire, pray for, choose, select”

Example Sentences

Comcast opted to cast off the still-profitable cable channels, except for the perennially popular Bravo!, as Wall Street has soured on the business, which has been contracting amid a consumer shift to streaming.

From Los Angeles Times

But more recently, China has stopped making such calls publicly, opting to instead push for a “fair and impartial” approach toward peace on the Korean Peninsula—suggesting Beijing won’t contest Pyongyang’s de facto nuclear status.

From The Wall Street Journal

She ate more black beans, lathered her scalp with French soap and opted for root perms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Former professional wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr., is the only federal defendant in the case who opted to stand trial, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday in the state capital, Jackson.

From The Wall Street Journal

In omitting off-spinner Todd Murphy, Australia opted against selecting a specialist spinner in a Sydney Test for the first time since 1888.

From BBC

Related Words

• decide
• elect
• go for
• prefer